Manchester United will kick off their pre-season campaign with a friendly against Wrexham on Saturday at the Helsinki Olympic Stadium in Finland. This marks United's first pre-season in Europe since 2002, excluding the Covid-affected summers, due to the World Cup. The squad is missing players still involved in the World Cup or on post-tournament breaks.
New Signings and Absentees
Michael Carrick has new signing Andrey Santos available for selection after his transfer from Chelsea. However, fellow new recruit Karl Darlow has not been named in the squad, and Youri Tielemans is absent as he enjoys a post-World Cup break. Benjamin Sesko will not travel as he continues his recovery from an injury sustained last season.
United are likely to field two different XIs, each playing 45 minutes, with a mix of youth and experience. Here is how our writers think United should start.
Tyrone Marshall's XI
Tyrone Marshall opts for Tom Heaton in goal, with Harry Maguire and Leny Yoro as the centre-back pairing. He selects James Kamason at right-back and Harry Amass at left-back. In midfield, Santos starts alongside Tyler Fletcher, with Patrick Dorgu on the left wing, Bryan Mbeumo on the right, and Chido Obi leading the line.
“The truth is United will probably pick two teams in Helsinki, with both getting 45 minutes, but who plays with who and what we can read into that will be interesting,” Marshall said. “It also makes sense to try and keep a mix of youth and experience.”
Steven Railston's XI
Steven Railston also includes Santos, supported by Toby Collyer and Mason Mount in midfield. He gives Kamason a chance at right-back, with a back four of Kamason, Maguire, Yoro, and Amass. Up front, he starts Ethan Wheatley as the striker, with Dorgu and Mbeumo on the wings.
“The headline for today's game will be Santos' involvement after his transfer from Chelsea,” Railston said. “I'd give Kamason a chance to show what we can do at right-back. He enjoyed a brilliant 2024/25, but his momentum was halted by an injury last term.”
Jack Flintham's XI
Jack Flintham picks Radek Vitek in goal, arguing he has a point to prove. He selects Kamason at right-back and Dorgu at left-back, with Maguire and Yoro in central defence. In midfield, Collyer and Mount start, with Santos in an advanced role. He opts for Obi as striker and Ethan Williams on the left wing, with Mbeumo on the right.
“Vitek has a point to prove this summer and with Heaton and Mee down the pecking order, it would be good for him to start against Wrexham,” Flintham said. “Sesko's absence hands Obi an opportunity to stake his claim as the Slovenia international's deputy.”
